April 1, 2019

on: April 01, 2019

Gospel: John 4:43-54

When the two days were over, Jesus left for Galilee. Jesus himself said that no prophet is recognized in his own country. Yet the Galileans welcomed him when he arrived, because of all the things which he had done in Jerusalem during the Festival, and which they had seen. For they, too, had gone to the feast.Jesus went back to Cana of Galilee, where he had changed the water into wine. At Capernaum there was an official, whose son was ill, and when he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and asked him to come and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.Jesus said, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe!” The official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” And Jesus replied, “Go, your son lives!”The man had faith in the word that Jesus spoke to him, and went his way. As he was approaching his house, his servants met him, and gave him the good news, “Your son has recovered!” So he asked them at what hour the child began to recover, and they said to him, “The fever left him yesterday, at about one o’clock in the afternoon.” And the father realized that that was the time when Jesus had told him, “Your son lives!” And he became a believer, he and all his family.Jesus performed this second miraculous sign when he returned from Judea to Galilee.

Reflections“Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe!”Jesus demands faith when asking favor from him. He can do everything if he is convinced you have faith. He can even reverse the fate of a dying loved one.When Jesus performs a miracle, he also wants a response of faith. The evangelist John mentions many times in his gospel the verb “to believe” instead of faith. John tells us whenever people hear him speak or make miracle, they are led to believe in him, though some are not.The Jews in those days were more secure with their established religion, Judaism, that was flourishing at that time. The Temple of Jerusalem where everyone was required to go annually was imposing, something to identify with and be proud of. It was a symbol of God’s presence. Faith is recognizing Jesus of Nazareth as Son of God sent to teach the way to the Father. In some Arab countries, Christians are called Nazarenes.To believe is to take to heart the person of Jesus. It is not rejecting him. It is to engage with him. He wants to create a new culture responsive to God. We cannot demand miracles from God if we do not have faith in him.